The Club at Blackthorne, a private event and wedding venue located in a Penn Township housing community, is requesting a zoning variance to operate without ties to a nearby golf course.
The 36,000-square-foot site — the subject of longstanding community and legal disputes — is located off of Harrison City-Export Road in Penn Township’s Blackthorne Estates housing community, which is accompanied by a golf course.
The township’s zoning hearing board was scheduled to review Blackthorne Investors’ appeal and the zoning violation Thursday, but the matter was pushed to next month’s meeting.
Michael Korns, an attorney representing the township, said the Cifellis on Wednesday filed an appeal of the zoning violation notice and a zoning variance request. If approved, the request would allow the clubhouse to operate independent of the golf course, Korns said.
Originally designed as a clubhouse for the golf course, the space housed a pro shop, storage area for golf carts, locker rooms, office space, a banquet hall, a kitchen and an unfinished restaurant or grill room.
The clubhouse has operated as a private wedding and events venue since November 2022, and the golf course has been closed to the public since 2023.
Related:
• Penn Township accuses The Club at Blackthorne of violating the municipality’s zoning ordinance
• Ace Bartenders owners purchase The Club at Blackthorne for $3.9M amid zoning dispute
• Blackthorne Estates plans to build new golf facility, open golf course in spring
• Blackthorne golf course, clubhouse will not close, township states
• Blackthorne clubhouse owner attempts to resolve dispute with golf course, lawsuit states
• Blackthorne Estates residents weigh in on upcoming Penn Township golf course vote
• Township alleges zoning violation over revised use of golf clubhouse
The Club at Blackthorne in December was purchased by a new set of owners, Anthony and Leah Cifelli, who plan to open a restaurant on the bottom floor of the facility and continue hosting weddings and private events on the property.
They could not be immediately reached for comment.
Blackthorne Investors appealed an occupancy permit issued in November to the clubhouse by the township’s zoning office. Investors argue the clubhouse cannot operate as a private event center and restaurant without maintaining its ties to the golf course.
Penn Township officials last month accused the clubhouse of violating the municipality’s zoning ordinance.
Korns formerly served as the township’s solicitor but is transitioning away from municipal law, he said. He will temporarily manage Blackthorne-related matters until the township’s new solicitor, Gavin Robb, is caught up to speed, Korns said.
Township commissioners appointed Robb, from Pittsburgh-based Tucker Arensberg Attorneys, on Wednesday.
The Blackthorne Investors appeal, township zoning violation notice and clubhouse zoning variance request will be discussed by the zoning hearing board at 7 p.m. April 9 in the township municipal building, located at 2001 Municipal Court.